SPC: Patriarch Porfirije in Montenegro for 150th anniversary of Battle of Vucji Do

The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC), Patriarch Porfirije, is currently in Montenegro to participate in a two-day commemoration marking the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Vucji Do. This historic battle is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the region's struggle for liberation.

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I never come here as a stranger, or even as a guest, but as someone truly close, as a brother, as one of your own.

Fought in July 1876, the Battle of Vucji Do witnessed a combined force of Montenegrin and Herzegovinian troops achieve a decisive victory over a substantially larger Ottoman army. The engagement resulted in heavy losses for the Ottomans and the capture of several high-ranking commanders. This triumph served as a crucial turning point, generating momentum that ultimately led to Montenegro's international recognition as an independent state at the Congress of Berlin in 1878.

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We are demonstrating and confirming that we can transcend every kind of division and every border, both those that are natural and those created by our own wrong will and choices.

The Serbian Orthodox Church has lauded the victory as a "shining example of unity, devotion, and heroism," emphasizing the "courage and perseverance shown in the struggle for freedom." Upon his arrival at Podgorica Airport, Patriarch Porfirije was warmly welcomed by Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral and Metropolitan Metodije of Budimlja and Niksic.

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shining example of unity, devotion, and heroism

In Niksic, where a welcoming ceremony was held at the Church of St. Basil of Ostrog, Patriarch Porfirije addressed the gathered faithful. He expressed a deep sense of belonging, stating, "I never come here as a stranger, or even as a guest, but as someone truly close, as a brother, as one of your own." He further remarked on the significance of the gathering, noting, "We are demonstrating and confirming that we can transcend every kind of division and every border, both those that are natural and those created by our own wrong will and choices."

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courage and perseverance shown in the struggle for freedom